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Abstract:

This dissertation is based on two studies conducted in 2002 and 2004 analysing
preferences for non-marketed activity in Ireland. The first study applies the contingent
valuation method (CVM) to Irish public service broadcasting. The second study
examines public support for income maintenance schemes in Ireland and support for
general policies of income redistribution. The studies have a number of things in
common. Both public broadcasting and income maintenance are nationwide nonmarketed goods for which there is no adequate marketed measure of preferences. Both
are familiar and politicised markets requiring subtlety in survey design and
administration to attain meaningful answers. Both studies offer interesting case studies in
the survey approach to political economy as well as offering more general insights in to
the techniques of preference elicitation.